Cassius, the record-holding saltwater crocodile, passes away in Queensland after decades in captivity.

Cassius, the massive saltwater crocodile who held the Guinness World Record as the largest crocodile in captivity, has passed away at the venerable age of 110. The beloved giant, residing at Green Island’s Marineland Melanesia near Cairns, Queensland, died on 1 November, leaving behind a legacy of awe and admiration.

The 5.48-metre (18-foot) crocodile, weighing over a ton, had been an iconic resident of the wildlife sanctuary since 1987. Originally captured in the Northern Territory, where crocodiles are as much an attraction as they are a part of the ecosystem, Cassius was brought to Marineland Melanesia by George Craig, who became both caretaker and close companion. The crocodile had long surpassed the typical lifespan of a wild crocodile, reaching a remarkable age for his species.

Cassius’s health had been in decline since mid-October, and his death was announced by Marineland Melanesia via social media, with a heartfelt tribute from the sanctuary’s team. “It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our beloved mate Cassius. He was more than just a crocodile; he was a cherished member of our family,” the post read. The sanctuary acknowledged Cassius’s special place in the lives of all who visited, particularly highlighting his bond with George Craig, who had recently relocated to Cairns after more than five decades on Green Island.

For over 37 years, Cassius and George were inseparable, drawing thousands of visitors eager to see the world’s largest captive crocodile up close. Cassius became a symbol of strength and resilience, celebrated by visitors of all ages, with many expressing sadness over his passing. “King Forever!! I will remember you, Cassius,” one tribute read. Another admirer noted, “It seems like I’ve been visiting him forever.”

Cassius gained worldwide recognition after being officially crowned by Guinness World Records as the largest crocodile in captivity. He took the title after the 2013 death of Lolong, a crocodile in the Philippines who measured 6.17 metres (20 feet 3 inches). Cassius’s journey to the sanctuary in Queensland began in the waters of the Northern Territory, where he was captured for his aggressive nature after endangering boats. From there, he was transported to Marineland Melanesia, where he lived a peaceful life, becoming the sanctuary’s star resident and a major attraction.

Cassius’s extraordinary age and size have not only intrigued visitors but also raised awareness about the lifespan and habits of saltwater crocodiles, a species known for their adaptability and power. His longevity, well beyond that of a typical wild crocodile, underscored the exceptional care provided by his keepers at Marineland. The sanctuary’s tribute acknowledged the significant role Cassius played in their lives and thanked everyone who had visited him over the years, adding, “Our love and memories of him will remain in our hearts forever.”

With his passing, Marineland Melanesia announced that it would operate in a limited capacity for a few days as staff members mourned the loss of their prized resident. Cassius’s passing marks the end of an era for the sanctuary, as he had become an irreplaceable part of its identity and an ambassador for Australia’s rich wildlife heritage.

Cassius’s impressive size and his status as the world’s largest crocodile in captivity had attracted global media coverage and a steady stream of curious visitors eager to witness his power and majesty firsthand. While he may be gone, Cassius’s memory endures in the hearts of those he inspired and educated, a true king of the reptiles whose legacy lives on through the stories and memories shared by those who met him.